News, Tips & Bargains : Fires Are Out in Galapagos

The fires that raged across Isabela Island in the Galapagos archipelago, a popular destination for cruise ships and eco-tourists who flock to the area to see the giant tortoises, are finally out.

The last embers were doused days ago, said Felipe Cruz, deputy director of the Galapagos National Park, after burning since mid-April and destroying about 5,000 acres. Santa Cruz Island, which has the greatest number of tourist facilities, was not affected.

Although there were fears that some of the huge tortoises would perish in the blaze, none were affected, Cruz said. But Cruz said authorities did decide to take advantage of helicopters sent in by international firefighting forces to move 13 tortoises to a breeding area in the village of Puerto Villamil, on the Isabela Island coast. This is a long-term project to save the endangered animals, Cruz said. In addition to helicopters, authorities used trucks and mules to move the tortoises, which weigh hundreds of pounds.

The huge fire burned an inland area that is not open to visitors. Cause of the fire is under investigation, Cruz said, although natural causes have been ruled out and there is speculation that it may have been started by hunters.

A Trolley Tour of J.F.K.’s Boston

“J.F.K.’s Boston,” a new three-hour trolley tour of famous Kennedy landmarks--from his birthplace in Brookline to his favorite restaurant (the Union Oyster House) to the Omni Parker House Hotel, where he announced for the presidency--is being offered through Oct. 23 aboard the Old Town Trolley. The tours begin at 8:30 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. For reservations and information, call (617) 269-7150.

Summer Classes at Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon Field Institute, which offers classes and workshops at the canyon, has released its summer schedule.

Classes, which continue through November, include “Canyon and Dinosaurs,” “Ethnobotany” and a workshop on ecosystems that includes a rafting trip. Classes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wilderness hikes are limited to 10 and fill quickly. Fees range from about $45 for a one-day workshop to $205 for a five-day backpack trip. Campsites in Mather Campground will be provided free to participants and a few rooms will be reserved at Yavapai Lodge at an additional charge. Both are on the South Rim. To obtain a schedule, contact the institute, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, Ariz., 86023; tel. (602) 638-2485.

Norway Rail Introduces Pass

A new Norway Rail Pass, offering unlimited travel for seven or 14 days, has been introduced by Norwegian State Railways. Prices range from $180 to $315 during the May-September peak season. U.S. ticket agent is Scanam World Tours Inc., tel. (800) 545-2204; fax (201) 835-3030.